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Official: Sony RX1R III Digital Camera announced!

  
 
nehemiahphoto
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p.5 #1 · Official: Sony RX1R III Digital Camera announced!


I personally don't see an issue with the lens--in fact, I'd argue the Sonnar is as competent technically and pleasing aesthetically as anything (if you like modern glass) except quite a bit larger lenses like a GM or Sigma 35/1.2. The Leica Q3 is still using the same lens as the OG Q.

As I process and think of this RXR1iii announcement, I would have preferred a tilting screen + IBIS (body or lens) and no EVF, keeping the size dinky. Sony could have then added a small EVF for those that wanted it or when wanted. Oh well.

Edited on Jul 15, 2025 at 01:36 PM · View previous versions



Jul 15, 2025 at 01:29 PM
bwcolor
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p.5 #2 · Official: Sony RX1R III Digital Camera announced!


I think that it is fair to cross shop this with Leica.
Focal Length: 35mm 28mm/43mm
IBIS: No. Yes
LCD: 3” 2359296 dot. 1843200 dot
EVF: .7x. 2360000 dot .79x. 5760000
Tilt LCD. No. Yes
Size. Smaller. Larger
Weight. Lighter. Heavier
Sony Menu. Leica Menu
Price. $5098. $7380



Jul 15, 2025 at 01:31 PM
sselhtrim
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p.5 #3 · Official: Sony RX1R III Digital Camera announced!


Actually, whats stopping sony from releasing a 33mp non r model 6 months to a year later.



Jul 15, 2025 at 01:36 PM
Fred Miranda
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p.5 #4 · Official: Sony RX1R III Digital Camera announced!


nehemiahphoto wrote:
I personally don't see an issue with the lens--in fact, I'd argue the Sonnar is a competent technically and pleasing aesthetically as anything (if you like modern glass) except quite a bit larger lenses like a GM or Sigma 35/1.2. The Leica Q3 is still using the same lens as the OG Q.

As I process and think of this RXR1iii announcement, I would have preferred a tilting screen + IBIS (body or lens) and no EVF, keeping the size dinky. Sony could have then added a small EVF for those that wanted it or when wanted. Oh well.


I really like the Sony RX1R III, but I definitely don't need another camera. For something portable and truly pocketable, I'm currently using the GR III HDF. It’s actually in my pocket right now, just in case something catches my eye.



Jul 15, 2025 at 01:39 PM
PIOK
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p.5 #5 · Official: Sony RX1R III Digital Camera announced!


MHLC wrote:
This pricing is just ridiculous given the lack of IBIS, low quality EVF and small battery. I'm sorry but I'm sure majority will rather get the Q3.

It boggles my mind that Sony decided to go with their 61mp sensor but only includes a SD card slot in 2025.


Price is PERFECT ...

...Most of us won't even think about getting one



Jul 15, 2025 at 01:42 PM
rodsandcones
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p.5 #6 · Official: Sony RX1R III Digital Camera announced!


My memory was hazy on this and I was mildly curious: the Sony rx1 was released in September 2012. The ii was released in October 2015. Remarkably, this is before the Canon 5d mark iv release (September 2016) and long before the first full-frame ILC mirrorless cameras from Canon (Canon EOS R October 2018) and Nikon's first full-frame MILC (Z7 October 2018).
(A7rii was released in June of 2015).



Jul 15, 2025 at 01:42 PM
Latouf
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p.5 #7 · Official: Sony RX1R III Digital Camera announced!


I have a M2 version and have been using it for the last 4 years. I’ve been wanting a M3 version for the longest time. The funny part is for no real other reason that I think technology had evolved a lot and that would make it a better camera. I was out last month on vacation using the M2 together with the RX100VII and I have to admit that the new version appears underwhelming.

The battery life has never really been an issue given its size allowed to carry a few. And it is shared with the RX100Vii that I pair it with for casual and travel photos. If anything, the new battery used is not shared with my other camera (A1ii or RX100) so it ends up being less optimal. USB-c charger is a welcome addition and might help alleviate the presence of SD card vs CF express.

The 42mp sensor never held me back, but ability to crop a bit further in is a nice addition. IBIS would have been nice, but I managed to get very good results from my model. I do not know if the change to a 61mp sensor will prove detrimental in this case.

From the max burst rate, the leaf shutter is maintained and will be a join to work with. Having access to an faster electronic shutter is a nice addition. And a leaf shutter allow for cool flash photo work.

Sony dropped the focusing mode selector which I thought a really useful. Bummer.

New menu will surely be much better than the legacy one and keep it consistent with newer models.

The size of EVF is surprising but I manage with the existing one. Although, I liked the pop up one a lot, it made using flash a harder trade off. New version will solve this. With newer Godox TTL flash that are small (ie IT20 announced), this is a real benefit. Once again, the tiny flashes coming out today will help mitigate the absence of IBIS by keeping the shutter speed higher is some low light scenario while remaining very compact. This will work for both the M2 and M3 versions.

The absence of a tilting LCD is a SUPER SERIOUS flaw for me. For casual photo, street photo anything at a low angle, this is for me a real deal breaker.

I do not shot video on a camera so all these are not a point.

And given the much increased price, I suspect i will hold on to my RX1Rii for quite a while longer.

I’m very happy to know that if my camera dies or has significant issues (I already had to change it’s lens), I now have a newer readily available replacement.

Like a lot of other members, I do not see who is the market for this camera. I suspect that those who have the older version will stick with it unless they need a bigger battery or a bigger sensor. Or you perhaps require a camera to be under warranty for a few more years.


Glad that I think I will not be hit with a new case of GAS. But who am I kidding, it will come back at some point in the future.

For the time being, I will spend that money on new glass for the A1ii…

Edited on Jul 15, 2025 at 01:54 PM · View previous versions



Jul 15, 2025 at 01:43 PM
sebboh
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p.5 #8 · Official: Sony RX1R III Digital Camera announced!


Maximilian wrote:
And a 13 years old lens.
I mean, I'm a Zeiss fan and the Sonnar 2,0/35mm is still a good lens, but not necessarily 61 megapixel good, much has happened in 13 years of optical development. The Distagon 2,0/35mm of the highly maligned Zeiss ZX1 is a far superior lens in every objektive respect, on par with the Leica Apo-Summicron M 2,0/35mm.


61mp is a pretty small jump in resolution vs 42mp. I would choose the 35/2 sonnar over any other 35mm ever made, and would probably not consider this camera if they "upgraded" it to a lens that was better in every objective respect. but then, my second favorite 35mm lenses are 50+ years old and I have found the latest apo crons and the giant AF 35/1.4s to be uninspiring, so i'm clearly not where the market is at.



Jul 15, 2025 at 01:45 PM
kwalsh
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p.5 #9 · Official: Sony RX1R III Digital Camera announced!


darrellc wrote:
I’m sure sales of the most innovative RX1v3 would be a fraction of other product lines, so why invest much.


Yep, I think this was their business thinking and it is probably sort of hard to argue with. Niche product lines are more likely to end up as "parts bin" cameras to be able to recoup the development costs. They actually did clearly spend a decent bit of R&D on this with the complete body redesign, people may underestimate just how much effort that actually is (and not appreciate the effort if they don't like the changes).

The problem, though, is such parsimonious thinking may result in alienating the niche you were trying to exploit. Naively I'd ask why the A7CR IBIS unit couldn't have been brought over, but my suspicion would be that the 35/2 lens design isn't compatible with it (e.g. maybe rear element of the lens too close). Going the OIS route would mean an entirely new lens design, so not desirable either.

Anyway, I wish them luck because I like seeing different things in the market.

---------------------------------------------

TheEmrys wrote:
5. The comparison to the Fuji GFX100rf is not siumple as they are very different cameras. Both extremely interesting, but very different. MF with a fixed aperture at 100mp, or FF with a to die for lens and small package.


"Fixed aperture" I'm guessing, like I often do, the wrong word ended up there. What were you meaning to say?

And I agree, in general the GFX100rf is totally different just based on size alone. But in fairness, people love to make price comparisons all the same.

---------------------------------------------

Maximilian wrote:
And a 13 years old lens.

I mean, I'm a Zeiss fan and the Sonnar 2,0/35mm is still a good lens, but not necessarily 61 megapixel good, much has happened in 13 years of optical development. The Distagon 2,0/35mm of the highly maligned Zeiss ZX1 is a far superior lens in every objektive respect, on par with the Leica Apo-Summicron M 2,0/35mm.


As mentioned above, I'd suspect that the R&D costs on a new lens just weren't seen as recoverable. From a marketing standpoint if they are clever they can leverage the old love for the Sonnar at zero cost. Heck, even some of the sites announcing today are highlighting that they didn't change the lens is a benefit!

---------------------------------------------

Anywho, I played with a used original RX1 (and the EVF attachment) way back in the day (like 2016 I think). What a fun little camera! But the lack of some form of IS was painful - even at 24MP. At 61MP it seems slightly insane. I have the GRIIIx as my "everyday carry but never actually use" camera these days and even its antique IBIS is very useful to have.

Honestly, my thoughts are probably pretty useless because having used and sold that RX1 I just don't think I'm the target market for this series. My GRIIIx is essentially an "aspirational camera" that I hope inspires me to take more photos, but largely it spends months in the center console of my car untouched.

Well, I hope it tickles some folks fancy and they end up enjoying it, whatever us naysayers post about!



Edited on Jul 15, 2025 at 01:49 PM · View previous versions



Jul 15, 2025 at 01:45 PM
InFocus2014
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p.5 #10 · Official: Sony RX1R III Digital Camera announced!


Jun Zhou wrote:
SONY: " I am gonna beat Leica Q3".


If that was the case, they missed the mark in several key areas.

Q3:

Tilt LCD

5.76 EVF

Optical stabilization

f1.7

Simple menu

Outstanding connectivity relative to Sony

The only reason I switched from the Q3 to the A7CR was to have lens flexibility. Only having one FL became overly limiting, for me, when shooting a wide range of subjects.



Jul 15, 2025 at 01:48 PM
 


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Tariq Gibran
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p.5 #11 · Official: Sony RX1R III Digital Camera announced!


Loved the original RX1, which was released towards the end of 2012! Frankly, I'm a bit shocked that Sony finally released this update with so few improvements. Sure, the sensor is higher MP's and the AF should be dramatically better - that's to be expected. But, to not include IBIS nor a fantastic, high MP and high magnification EVF in today's market is a huge fail. Sony's "brand" used to be all about amazing innovation in a very small size. This update just looks like a way to milk an existing design with very little innovation.


Jul 15, 2025 at 01:53 PM
Fred Miranda
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p.5 #12 · Official: Sony RX1R III Digital Camera announced!


Just for fun, here are some of our reactions from when the RX1R II was released back in 2015:

https://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/1392390/



Jul 15, 2025 at 02:01 PM
Fred Miranda
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p.5 #13 · Official: Sony RX1R III Digital Camera announced!


Pre-orders just started!

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1907791-REG/sony_rx1r_iii_digital_camera.html/



























Jul 15, 2025 at 02:07 PM
rodsandcones
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p.5 #14 · Official: Sony RX1R III Digital Camera announced!


Well.. I pre-ordered. I figure there will be ample time to think about it and cxl. Would be funny if it shipped right away- the one time I don't want that to happen. The cameras I currently shoot the most with: griii, x100vi, and go in and out shooting an old xpan.


Jul 15, 2025 at 02:09 PM
kalani_kane
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p.5 #15 · Official: Sony RX1R III Digital Camera announced!


my pre-order is in!


Jul 15, 2025 at 02:09 PM
j4nu
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p.5 #16 · Official: Sony RX1R III Digital Camera announced!


InFocus2014 wrote:
If that was the case, they missed the mark in several key areas.

Q3:

Tilt LCD

5.76 EVF

Optical stabilization

f1.7

Simple menu

Outstanding connectivity relative to Sony

The only reason I switched from the Q3 to the A7CR was to have lens flexibility. Only having one FL became overly limiting, for me, when shooting a wide range of subjects.


Maybe Sony wanted to compete not with Q3, but with ZX1... I'll let myself out



Jul 15, 2025 at 02:09 PM
RoamingScott
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p.5 #17 · Official: Sony RX1R III Digital Camera announced!


The cope in the SAR comments is worth a laugh, at least.

"It's a luxury halo product!"



Jul 15, 2025 at 02:14 PM
gdanmitchell
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p.5 #18 · Official: Sony RX1R III Digital Camera announced!


snapsy wrote:
Sony is charging $300 more for a thumb grip on a $5k camera? They should rename it the 'middle finger' grip.


Hey, they understand that people willing to pay $5k for a small fixed lens camera without IBIS or a tilt screen are not too worried about spending another $300 for a… thumb “grip.” ;-)

Fred Miranda wrote:
The goal of the RX1 series is to create the smallest possible full-frame camera…


I think that it is quite possible that the photography world may soon discover that the “smallest possible” camera is not necessarily the best choice. (It is for a very small segment of the market, but…)

- - -

FWiw, I think that omitting a tilt screen on a minimalist camera can make sense. These days I think that omitting IBIS from a camera in this price range with the likely user in mind is not a great idea. I applaud Sony for putting a higher capacity battery in their small fixed-lens camera. I think that the lower resolution viewfinder is not surprising in such a small camera. (I also don’t think it is likely to be as big of a problem as some think.)

You don’t get every feature of high end cameras in a model designed to minimize size and weight.

Edited on Jul 15, 2025 at 02:25 PM · View previous versions



Jul 15, 2025 at 02:15 PM
Fred Miranda
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p.5 #19 · Official: Sony RX1R III Digital Camera announced!


Here's an animation showing the differences in size and finish between the RX1R II and RX1R III. I just noticed they removed the focus mode selector switch!







Jul 15, 2025 at 02:19 PM
weezintrumpete
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p.5 #20 · Official: Sony RX1R III Digital Camera announced!


Holy crap this is my dream camera! (as a lover of the RX1 and RX1RII). I'll have to think about it with that price though. Not out of line, but still a lot of money. Very excited.

EDIT: I wish the EVF were a bit better (higher mag and resolution), but it's a very small camera, so I get it,

Edited on Jul 15, 2025 at 02:32 PM · View previous versions



Jul 15, 2025 at 02:23 PM
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